Resources from Food for Thought

The full agenda and more information about Food For Thought, which ran April 4-5, 2014, at the Coast Plaza Hotel in Vancouver, can be found here. Videos from the Pecha Kucha style presentations, and Paula Daniels’ Keynote, can be found here.

Conference Session Resources:

TAKING ACTION – As global discussions work towards a replacement for the Kyoto Accord– the replacement is slated to be signed off in Paris in 2015– new reports underline the need to change course on a daily basis. While federal government scientists are being laid off and federal labs closed, local governments in British Columbia continue to show strong levels of ambition. This workshop showcases the difference BC municipal leaders are making and explores next steps for climate action. Speakers: Dan Rogers, Judith Cullington

HEALTHY FOOD IN OUR SCHOOLS – Healthy habits start young. And healthy eating has a significant impact on the brain’s ability to focus, function and develop. That’s why there is a push to improve the quality of fresh and nutritious food in our schools – and why programs such as Spuds in Tubs and Take a Bite BC from Agriculture in the Classroom are meeting with such success. The push has also extended beyond the school walls, as reflected in a case study of community food engagement on Galiano Island. Speakers: Lindsay Babineau, Jane Wolverton, Alison Colwell

POVERTY AND ACCESS TO FOOD – Poverty and food insecurity are major factors in healthy child and community development, and key intersections that comprehensive social policy seeks to address. The challenge is to look beyond food banks and other emergency services, to build social structures that nurture long term health, provide dignity, and allow people to thrive. This is a key lesson for Seth Klein when he participated in the Raise the Rates coalition’s welfare food challenge, it’s an important part of the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition’s work, and is a key part of Lynn McIntyre’s research on income-related household food insecurity and food policy in Canada. Speakers: Seth Klein, Lynn McIntyre, Trish Garner

RISE UP: CATALYZING COMMUNITIES – Sometimes a community rises to challenge its leadership. Sometime leadership helps communities to find their voice. This workshop features two case studies. In one instance a group of residents came together to question a large development and then successfully challenge a massive, unplanned boundary expansion. In the second case study, an individual councillor created space and place for dialogue with council members, brought staff on board, established a formal task force to build public capacity and together with the now catalized community is moving forward on an innovative housing solution. What lessons on engagement can be taken from these inspiring stories? Speakers: Sharon Cross, Bob Whetham, Ronna-Rae Leonard

CLIMATE CHANGE AND FOOD – A sustainable food system is the foundation of sustainable society. What implications does climate change present for our food system? 21st century agriculture will operate in economic, social, environmental and resource constraints that are very different from the 20th century. What factors and forces have shaped our industrial food system and what will shape our food future? How can we advance a 21st century vision for the sustainable food system which is so integral to our future and what role can local governments play? Speaker: Kent Mullinix

SANCTUARY CITIES – SANCTUARY CITIES – An estimated 500,000 undocumented migrants face significant barriers accessing education, healthcare, food aid and other essential services in Canada. In addition to undocumented migrants, many temporary foreign workers face multiple barriers to services. Across the country, the “Sanctuary Cities” campaign is making services more accessible to those without citizenship. In February 2013, Toronto became the first Canadian Sanctuary City, with council passing an ‘Access without Fear’ motion by a vote of 37-2. Hamilton, ON passed a similar motion in February 2014. 36 cities in the United States have officially designated themselves ‘Sanctuary Cities’. Speakers: Darla Tomeldan, Alejandra Lopez, Byron Cruz

FOSSIL FUEL DIVESTMENT – More and more local governments are facing questions about the impacts of climate change, and the risk of having money invested in fossil fuel companies. It’s around these concerns that the fossil fuel divestment movement has grown, initiated by Bill McKibben and a global organization called 350.org. In Canada this movement has been led by campus-based student groups, and their message is spreading to faith groups, labour unions, schools, and is reaching municipalities too. Speakers: Andrea Reimer, Marc Lee, Mike Soron

PROTECTING GROWING SPACES – As industry and development encroaches upon land across B.C., much is being lost. Ongoing threats and losses to the Agricultural Land Reserve are a tangible example of this, and represent vital farmland worth protecting. Additionally, due to urban sprawl and development, natural and wild spaces are being diminished at a rate faster than we’re able to reclaim and restore them – natural and wild spaces that are an essential part of healthy ecosystems and imaginative lives. Speakers: Harold Steves, Lenore Newman

CHILDREN’S NATURE DEFICIT – Human beings, and especially children are spending more time in front of a screen and less time outdoors. It’s a trend many people think needs to change. This drive to reconnect to nature saved a Sunshine Coast school from closure and revitalized a neighborhood in the process. In this workshop you’ll hear an overview about the growing movement to address Children’s Nature Deficit, our changing demographics, and the inside story of how going green revitalized a school and a neighborhood. Speakers: Silas White, Sally Thicke, Gillian Petrini

Gillian Petrini – Updated ppt
THE POWER OF BUILDINGS – “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us,” said Winston Churchill. Which is true for our environment too. This workshop will examine how municipalities can use buildings to reduce environmental impact, offer insightful observations about equipment installation and construction practice, and hear a report from The Green Building Leaders Project at Pembina. What scope do municipalities have? Are we getting what we pay for? What regulatory changes would make a difference for energy efficiency? Speakers: Ellen Pond, Jessica Williams, Lee Loftus

Click here to download Norman’s presentationClick here to download Anastasia’s presentationClick here to download Katie’s presentation
WEAVING PARTNERSHIPS FOR FOOD SYSTEM CHANGE – In this workshop we will explore how collaboration across public agencies has helped to advance numerous school food system initiatives, including school gardens, school farms, food preparation activities in the classroom, Farm to School programs, and school food policy. We will combine presentations with activities and discussion to discover how schools and communities across BC can continue partner in working toward healthier, more just and sustainable school food systems. Speakers: Kevin Millsip, Brent Mansfield, Sarah Carten

About Christine Boyle

Christine was the Columbia Institute's Strategic Communications Specialist from 2010-2016. She has a range of experience in communications, strategic planning, community development, education, and front line social service. Christine is also a founder and Director of Fossil Free Faith, and an organizer with The Self Care Project. She holds a BSc in Urban Agriculture and First Nations Studies from the University of British Columbia, and an MA in Spiritual Leadership for Social Change from Berkeley, California.